Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran says US strikes render April ceasefire ‘meaningless’ Fresh US strikes and Iranian retaliation deepen regional tensions, while Washington tightens sanctions, France pushes for a larger role in Lebanon, and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Trump vows ‘very hard’ strikes on Iran tonight after negotiators leave Qatar The US president's latest threats came just hours after Qatari mediators wrapped up talks early Thursday morning in pursuit of a final draft agreement to end the war. Iran
Trump launches new airstrikes on Iran as deal stalls A new wave of strikes aims not to restart war but rather to strengthen Washington's hand in long-sought negotiations, the Pentagon's top official claims. Iran
Russia in talks on 'reformatting' its military sites in Syria: What to know Moscow signals it wants to maintain its presence in Syria, where President Ahmed al-Sharaa recently said that Russian bases will be converted into training centers. Syria
Analysis Macron meets Tom Barrack as France seeks larger role in Lebanon By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Iran, Saudi Arabia condemn Quran protest as Sweden relocates embassy staff from Iraq Another provocative protest by Sweden-based Iraqi refugee Salwan Momika targeting Islam’s holy book has the region up in arms once again. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Israeli army faces internal fissures over judicial overhaul as Iran watches The refusal of hundreds of pilots and air force officers to show up for volunteer reserve duty marks the unprecedented rift hovering over Israel’s society generated by the government’s judicial overhaul plan. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Pentagon sends US Marines to deter Iran tanker seizures in Persian Gulf A Marine Expeditionary Unit will follow F-35s, F-16s and a Navy destroyer in deployment to the region to ward off Tehran's retaliatory seizures. Legacy: Gulf
Erdogan links Cyprus peace talks to Turkish Cypriot status recognition The Turkish leader doubled down on Turkey’s support to Cyprus, while EU officials said that renewed talks about the island must be based on UN resolutions. Turkey
Israel's Netanyahu to visit Turkey after 14 years as ties with Erdogan improve Once archenemies, Netanyahu and Erdogan will meet for the first time after many years of conflict. Turkey
Russia pulls inspectors from Turkey after Kremlin nixes grain deal The joint operation center in Istanbul, which was set up as part of the Black Sea grain deal, has been the sole mechanism through which Ukrainian and Russian officials were directly working together on a regular basis since the invasion of Ukraine. Turkey
Yazidi victims of Islamic State heal wounds, grow independent in Germany Despite the tragedies they suffered at the hands of the terror group in their homeland in the Iraqi Kurdistan province, many Yazidis in Germany are now prospering in their new lives. Turkey
UK sanctions 13 Wagner-linked firms and officials in Sudan, CAR, Mali The mercenary group has been operating across Africa for many years, exploiting the continent's natural resources and providing military support for its own financial gain. The Horn of Africa
Lebanon builds road on Israeli border, as tensions with Hezbollah escalate The incident followed Lebanese construction in the area and is the latest in a series of escalations between Israel and Hezbollah in recent weeks. Lebanon
Breaking | Last Updated: July 20, 2023, 10:59 am Turkey’s Central Bank hikes interest rates to 17.5% The 250 basis point rise was lower than analysts' expectations, many of whom advocate for a steeper hike. Turkey
Israel signs deal with US to join visa waiver program Israel’s Ambassador Mike Herzog and US Ambassador Tom Nides signed a memorandum of understanding which should remove the last hurdle on Israel’s way to join the program. Israel
Morocco king invites Israel’s Netanyahu for visit following Western Sahara recognition Only two days after Israel recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, King Mohammed VI invited Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a visit. Israel